Srinagar, Jul 21: Moderate to heavy rainfall lashed Kashmir Valley and its higher reaches on Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief from the recent spell of scorching heat, as forecast by the Meteorological Department (MeT).
The MeT said the wet spell is expected to continue until the afternoon of July 23, after which weather conditions are likely to improve.
Director of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that there is no immediate flood threat, though intense showers could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and on roads.
“There is no flood threat at present. However, heavy rainfall may cause waterlogging and temporary inundation in several areas,” Ahmad said, adding that Jammu has witnessed heavy rainfall, which is expected to decrease significantly in the coming days.
According to the MeT, Gulmarg recorded the highest rainfall at 46.2 mm between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, followed by Jammu (42.5 mm), Katra (37.6 mm), Bhadarwah (20.5 mm), Batote (16.9 mm), Pahalgam (12.1 mm), while Srinagar received 3.3 mm during the same period.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall triggered waterlogging in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Reports and visuals from Tangmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district showed floodwater entering several houses after local streams overflowed, causing hardship to residents.
In Jammu, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police issued a flood alert for people residing near the Tawi River and Tawi Bridge, urging them to shift to safer locations as a precaution due to the rising water level.
The Pir Panjal region also witnessed incessant rainfall throughout the day, resulting in a sharp rise in the water levels of rivers and streams.
Meanwhile, police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams continued search operations to trace six persons who went missing following recent flash floods in Surankote area of Poonch district.
Reports said Poonch district remained without electricity in several areas, while a number of houses were damaged due to heavy rains and associated incidents.
The recent spell of landslides and flash floods has claimed 21 lives across the affected districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Doda, according to official reports.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg said all district administrations have activated their emergency teams and control rooms, while helpline numbers and weather advisories are being widely circulated among the public.
He said special advisories have been issued for South Kashmir, urging residents to stay away from the tributaries of the Jhelum and other vulnerable water bodies.
He said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing weather advisories over the past three days, and the administration has made all necessary preparations based on these forecasts. He said several review meetings have been held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, with all concerned departments directed to remain on high alert.
Garg added that essential departments, including the Power Development Department, Jal Shakti Department and Health Department, have also been placed on high alert to respond promptly to any emergency arising from the prevailing weather conditions.
